Your handy guide to replacing teeth

Do you have any gaps in your smile? Whether you're only missing a single tooth or all of your teeth are missing or badly decayed, there are several options for filling the gap and restoring the natural look and function of your smile.

Here’s an introduction to the most popular tooth replacement options in Australia today, covering dentures, bridges, and implants. For more information about these treatments or to find out if you're suitable, make an appointment with your dentist.

Why is it important to replace missing teeth?

Missing adult teeth shouldn’t be ignored. Not only do gaps in your smile affect your appearance; more importantly, they can affect your ability to eat and speak normally, as well as increase your risk of oral and general health problems.

If a tooth is missing and the space isn't filled, this can affect the teeth on either side of the gap. Without support on one side, they may start to shift position over time, becoming crooked and more difficult to clean.

If you're missing a number of teeth, this can lead to problems with chewing. Inadequate dentition (having fewer than 21 teeth remaining) is associated with a poorer diet and a higher risk for diseases such as diabetes, cancers, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. ¹

How many teeth do you want to replace?

One of many factors to think about when deciding which tooth replacement option is right for you is the number of teeth you want or need to replace. Some treatments may be ideal for replacing a single tooth but they may be expensive or impractical for replacing all the teeth in your mouth.

The average Australian adult has 5.1 missing teeth, according to the latest National Dental Telephone Interview (NDTI) figures. This varies from 1.8 missing teeth for those aged 15-24 years old to 10.8 missing teeth for seniors over 65. Almost 40 per cent of Australians over 55 have fewer than 21 teeth remaining.¹

If all or most of your teeth are missing, or if they’ve been severely damaged by decay or trauma, your dentist may recommend full mouth rehabilitation. This may involve extractions if you still have some teeth remaining.

What are my options?

Your dentist will let you know which tooth replacement options you're eligible for after examining your mouth and discussing your individual situation and preferences. They will clearly explain the pros and cons of each treatment, including its risks and what it costs, so you can decide on your own.

The most common treatments for missing adult teeth are dentures, a dental bridge, or dental implants.

Dentures

You might know them as false teeth, but today's dentures look more natural and feel more comfortable than those of the past. Your dentist will design your dentures to be the right fit for your mouth.

Am I suitable for dentures?

Dentures may be an option if you need to replace all your teeth, a few teeth in a row, or even a single tooth. Full dentures can replace a whole row of teeth while partial dentures can fill gaps between healthy teeth, supported by discreet attachments.

You may prefer dentures over implants if you want to avoid oral surgery, though extractions may still be needed if you're having all your teeth replaced. Dentures are usually the cheaper option too, especially if you're replacing many teeth.

How are dentures fitted?

Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and design your full or partial dentures to be the right fit. If extractions are needed, these will be done first and your gums allowed to heal before starting your denture treatment.

When your custom dentures have been made, your dentist will see how they feel in your mouth and make any adjustments needed.

How do I look after dentures?

Your dentist will give you advice on how to maintain your dentures and your oral health. It can take some time to get used to the feel and experience of dentures, especially when eating, but your mouth should adjust within a few weeks.

You should clean your dentures every day to remove food and other debris from their surface. Make sure they're stored hygienically at night or when not in use. Your dentist will check the condition of your dentures and your gums during your routine dental visits.

Dental bridge

A dental bridge is an alternative to dentures or implants If you only need to replace individual teeth or several teeth in a row. A bridge is a false tooth, usually made from porcelain fused to metal, which is designed to fit in with your other teeth.

Bridges are usually supported by crowns fitted over the teeth on either side, but your dentist may discuss other support options.

Am I suitable for a dental bridge?

A dental bridge can replace one tooth or several adjacent teeth, but it won't be an option if you need to replace a large number of teeth at once.

You may prefer a fixed bridge over removable dentures if you want a more permanent tooth replacement, although a bridge will usually need to be replaced after a few years.

As no surgery is usually required for a dental bridge, this can make it more convenient and cheaper than an implant, but a bridge won't support your jaw in the same way.

How is a bridge fitted?

To prepare your bridge, your dentist may need to reduce the size of the supporting teeth on each side. Then they'll take impressions of your mouth, which are used to create your custom bridge and crowns for the supporting teeth. You may be fitted with a temporary bridge and crowns while these are being manufactured.

When your bridge and crowns are ready, your dentist will make any adjustments needed and cement them into place.

How do I care for a dental bridge?

Depending on the material your crowns and bridge are made from, your dentist may advise you to avoid certain foods that could cause them to be damaged or dislodged. You should still brush and floss your teeth as normal after a bridge is fitted.

If your bridge or crowns are damaged, you should see your dentist as soon as possible to discuss repairs or replacement. If you take good care of your bridge and look after your oral health, it should last between 7 and 15 years.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a more permanent solution for missing teeth. Made from strong titanium, implants are secured in the jaw where they serve as the missing tooth root. A crown or other false tooth is fitted over the top of the implant to restore the look and function of the missing tooth.

Am I suitable for dental implants?

Like dentures, implants may be used to replace as many teeth as needed. Although they're mostly used to replace individual teeth, it's possible to replace a whole arch of teeth using just four implants. Due to their strength, implants are a recommended option for missing back teeth.

Dental implants are a more intensive option than a bridge or dentures, as surgery is needed to place the implant in your jaw. If your jaw is too small to support an implant, a bone graft may also need to be performed. This could mean you're not suitable for implants if you have certain health conditions.

How are implants fitted?

Your dentist will take scans of your mouth to determine the best position for the implant. An opening will then be made in your gum to access your jaw, where the implant will be placed

In a traditional implant procedure, your jaw will be given time to heal around the implant, securing it in place. This can take up to 6 months, during which time you'll be fitted with a temporary crown or denture. When the implant has fused successfully, your dentist can fit your permanent crown.

If you're having full-arch implants, these can sometimes be completed in one or more appointments without having to wait for the jaw to heal.

How do I look after an implant?

Dental implants are secured in the jaw, giving them more stability than other tooth replacement options. The crown or denture placed over the top should feel and function more like a natural tooth, and you won't usually need to modify your diet.

You should look after your dental implant and crown just like the rest of your teeth, with regular brushing and visits to your dentist. Implants can last up to 20 years or even a lifetime with good oral hygiene.

For more information about implants and to find out if you are eligible for an implant, take the first step and schedule in a consultation your local Clearly Dental dentist.

References

¹Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Oral health and dental care in Australia: key facts and figures 2015 [Online] 2016 [Accessed April 2018] Available from: www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia-key-facts-and-figures-2015/